Lawmaker raises concerns over drinking at proposed music hall

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008

Lawmaker raises concerns over drinking at proposed music hall

Vote on liquor law changes delayed

by Janel Davis | Staff Writer

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ANNAPOLIS — A lawmaker’s concern over public drunkenness delayed a vote over changes to liquor license laws that would affect the county’s controversial agreement with Live Nation to open a music hall in Silver Spring.

‘‘The concern I have is with the possible unintended consequences of allowing people to consume alcohol from the time they enter the venue until the time they leave,” said Del. William A. Bronrott (D-Dist. 16) of Bethesda. ‘‘There is a possibility for accidents, and with the county working towards pedestrian safety and safe driving this is something we do not want to see happen.”

At a meeting of Montgomery County House members, Bronrott asked for the delay on a vote on a special class of liquor license for performing arts facilities that could affect the music venue. He wants state legislators to meet with county officials about the music deal early next week.

Under the proposed plan, the minimum capacity for facilities, such as the Silver Spring music hall, would be decreased from 2,000 people to 1,000 people. Live Nation’s agreement with the county lists the maximum capacity of the venue at 2,000.

The provision also requires the venue to have a food service permit, 40 seats in a food service area and a minimum capital investment of $1 million.

Under current requirements, a company’s revenues must include 50 percent food and 50 percent alcohol. An original special-class liquor license granted for performing arts facilities, namely the Strathmore Music Hall in North Bethesda, lowered the required ratio. The lowered ratio would apply to the Silver Spring venue.

Community groups voiced similar concerns before the county approved the Live Nation deal earlier this month. To allay the concern, the company agreed to end its shows at 1 a.m. and stop serving alcohol at midnight.

The liquor license provision is scheduled for a vote in the House committee this week.